Residents of the FCT have again been gripped with fear
Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have again been gripped with fear after last weekend’s killing of a staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the kidnapping of 13 persons in Piko, a remote community in Bwari Area Council of Abuja.
The attack in Bwari occurred on the night of Sunday, May 5, 2024, around 11.00pm without any challenge from the security agencies or vigilante groups.
Few days after the Bwari attack, gunmen, whom the police tagged as assassins, killed the FIRS official, Bichi.
Bichi was reportedly murdered in highbrow Maitama. His killing sent shivers to the spines of residents of that area, who are mainly senior government officials and top technocrats.
Findings revealed that Bichi’s assailants shot at him multiple times when he stepped out to get some food. Although he was rushed to the General Hospital, Maitama, in an attempt to save his life, the doctors reportedly confirmed that he was ‘brought in dead’ (BID).
Reacting to the killing, the FCT Police Command, through its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the murder was being investigated.<
In response to the tragic and alarming incident resulting in the untimely demise of Khalid Ahmed Bichi on May 10, 2024, at approximately 8:45pm, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Benneth C. Igweh, has promptly ordered a thorough and discreet investigation into the circumstances surrounding this regrettable event.
“Expressing profound condolences to the bereaved family, CP Benneth Igweh unequivocally frowns at this cowardly act and assures both the family and the public of swift justice. The diligent pursuit of the perpetrator(s) is underway, with every effort being made to ensure they are apprehended and brought to justice.
“Furthermore, CP Benneth Igweh reaffirms the unwavering dedication of the FCT Police Command to enhance the security landscape of the Territory, continually adapting strategies to effectively combat evolving criminal activities. Updates on this matter will be provided in due course,” Adeh said.
Despite this reassurance, the fresh wave of crimes in the FCT is giving residents a dose of concerns.
Many residents who spoke with The Guardian blamed the development on inadequate equipment for the FCT Police Command.
And findings by The Guardian revealed that FCT Police Command does not have helicopters for constant aerial patrol of narrow and hilly terrains of the territory, paving way for criminals to perfect their plots, implement them and go scot-free on many occasions.</p>
Abuja land area is about 8000 km2, which makes it almost two and a half times the size of Lagos State, the former capital territory of Nigeria. But the Lagos State Police Command boasts three helicopters owned by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and maintained by the state government to ensure maximum security and boost investors’ confidence in the city.
Residents of Abuja said some of the hilly and mountainous terrains in the outskirts of the FCT like Kuje, Ushafa, Bwari and Lugbe require constant helicopter patrols because they serve as habitats for hardened criminals.<
A drive round some areas like Kurudu, Karshi, Bwari, Ushafa and Kabusa exposes how mountains and hills contribute to the security challenges in Abuja and underscores the need for sophisticated equipment and gadgets to police the city.
“They should also collaborate with other security agencies and utilise intelligence gathering to apprehend perpetrators and deter future criminal activities. Transparency and accountability in their actions can help restore public confidence in the security agencies. “To check the resurgence of crime before it escalates, proactive measures such as community policing, regular patrols and targeted policing in high-risk areas should be implemented.
Additionally, addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, unemployment and social inequalities can help prevent individuals from resorting to criminal activities. “Collaboration with relevant stakeholders such as local government authorities, community leaders and civil society organisations is also crucial in addressing the underlying issues contributing to the rise in crime.” Okoh said.
Executive producer of Security Watch Africa, Mr. Patrick Agbambu, who is a resident of Abuja, also urged the police to improve and intensify their intelligence network. “To do that, they need to cultivate the people living around those rocks, hills and forests that surround the FCT. Those rocks, hills and forests have become a sort of safe sanctuary for these criminals. “They should request equipment and weapons that will aid them to intensify raiding of those areas and station strong Tactical Squads or Teams around those points. That will aid them to deny the criminals freedom.
“A strong and mobile Motorcycle Squadron should be set-up or formed and operationalised with all they need,” he added. Another resident, who simply identified himself as Mr. Segun, urged the police and indeed the security forces to redouble their efforts in policing the capital territory. “They should focus on the council areas and flush out the criminals; introduce more patrols with other security agencies, embark on radio enlightenment on the activities of the criminals and the need for the residents to be security conscious,” he said.
